| The export of live animals for
slaughter is inherently cruel.
The entire live export journey – from farm-gate to point of
destination – involves stressful and painful experiences for the
animal.
These images are an example of the fate that awaits millions of
Australian sheep and cattle at the end of this journey, every
year.
Improved export standards and general welfare lower
mortality rates on voyages but do not eliminate the suffering of
many individual animals.
On-board mortality rate is a crude measure of animal welfare
and doesn’t account for the suffering of animals that survive.
Plus, Australia’s standards do not apply as soon as the animals
reach their point of destination.
Our livestock export standards can not influence cruel
handling and slaughtering practices in importing countries.
Australian animals in some importing countries are subjected to
incompetent and inhumane animal handling practices.
Inhumane slaughtering methods in some importing countries
include cutting leg tendons and eye stabbing of cattle to cripple
them, followed by rough throat-cutting and a slow agonising death.
Sheep are also killed without pre-stunning, have their throats
roughly cut and bleed to death. All while other animals look on.
These practices are engrained in local culture.
The best way to influence inhumane animal handling and
slaughtering practices in importing countries is to stop trading
with them.
By continuing to send Australian animals to suffer such cruelty
and abuse, we send the message to the international community that
Australia not only allows but approves of such practices. Already
it has been shown that a shortage in live animals results in an
increase of meat imports into that country.
Participating in the trade does not help to significantly
improve welfare standards in the destination countries.
Inhumane handling, transport and slaughter are a result of
engrained attitudes towards animals and animal welfare. If
Australia wants to improve these practices then it could put in
place positive aid programs without the need to compromise
Australian animals.
In the end, importing governments, local industry and local
animal welfare organisations have the responsibility to improve
animal welfare standards.
The Australian Government must support domestic livestock
producers and meat-processing industries.
The Australia Government must, as an absolute priority, invest
in the infrastructure required to expand the chilled and frozen
meat trade so it can replace live animal exports. |
